Now we have The Vacation, and I think it might be his best yet.
Logan is the King of Misdirection. Just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t.
I absolutely love how he relates his stories. In this book, there is a slow build that follows one main character, with sporadic chapters from other characters’ points of view. There is no set “back and forth” switching; instead, the action moves seamlessly between the different perspectives.
The story belongs to Kate, who is vacationing with three college friends (and their families) at a villa in France. But secrets abound, and not even the youngest (5-year-old Odette) is immune. By the way, she’s also one of the brattiest kids I’ve ever read in a book. A lot is going on, but the author handles it all deftly. I felt Kate’s uncertainty, Rowan’s stress, and Jennifer’s worry (she’s quite the helicopter parent).
As with his other books, everything is laid out nicely, like place settings. But then, like a magician, he pulls the tablecloth out from under them. Everything is still standing, but maybe slightly moved or altered. The last quarter of this book flew by. All of the revelations started to come to light, and the truth emerged shockingly. I honestly gasped a few times.
Do yourself a favor and grab this one as soon as it’s released (July 21). It’s the perfect summer thriller.
There was an awful lot to like about this book. I enjoyed the school that Max and Babette created. I think that every kid could find a way to learn in an atmosphere like that. I also appreciated the seriousness of Duncan’s past experiences and how they shaped his perspective in his new school.
I thought that the journey of Sam was less successful. A major part of her character was not mentioned until later in the story. Then it all of a sudden became this huge part of her. It felt a little contrived. I would have appreciated it more if that had been a bigger issue in the beginning as well. As a result, I didn’t feel like I got a good grasp on her until more details were shared.
It was as if sections of the book got moved around in editing, and something that should have been earlier was moved to later. The subplot of Max and Babette’s daughter, Tina, and her son Clay also wasn’t fully recognized throughout the story. It was in the beginning and then a catalyst for the climax near the end. But that’s it.
I guess it all felt a little disjointed overall. The pieces were all there; I just wish they had been put together a little bit tighter. Still, I liked Duncan’t journey the most and would love to have worked for a principal like him when I was teaching. Rounded up to four stars for the unique climax that was a little screwball but a lot of heart.
Right from the start, I felt like I was reading a movie.
Let me explain.
I’m a big fan of the screwball comedies of the early talkies. “It Happened One Night” with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert is one of my favorites.
As soon as I started reading this book, I felt like I was dropped right into the middle of one of those. From the character and clothing descriptions to the dialogue, it all was true to the time. In a strange way, there were also times that I was reminded of Downton Abbey (another favorite).
Honestly, this book had everything that makes a cozy mystery so much fun. The colorful characters, the rich detail, and (of course) the murder and ensuing investigation all made for a delightfully light and breezy read.
I liked Lady Eleanor as the sleuth because she was feisty but shrewd at times. I also really enjoyed Clifford. He was a butler, but so much more. In some ways, it felt like he was the Watson to Eleanor’s Sherlock. I’m not going to give away the plot of the mystery, but it’s a good (and fitting) one.
I mentioned detail, and I think this where the author really succeeded. From the descriptions of the fabrics and settings to the names of the characters, there was no part of the book that didn’t fit perfectly in the time period.
I think that’s what I liked most. The world created by the author enabled me to escape and enjoy a mystery romp in the 20s.
In times like these, that kind of talent is invaluable. I can’t wait to visit with Lady Eleanor on her next venture.
Author Bio: Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s.
Quite a busy day here – it’s time for another cover reveal.
Ready!
Wanna know more? Read on…
Stumbling to the ground, he claws at the earth around him, trying to stabilise himself, but his attacker is on him in seconds. As he stares at the lights of the bustling streets on the other side of the park gates, he doesn’t even have time to yell for help before everything goes black.
When the body of wealthy businessman Charles Stott is found dead on Wimbledon Common, covered in bruises just feet away from his luxury home, Detective Dan Lockhart is called to investigate the shocking scene. Examining the sickeningly disfigured body before him, Lockhart knows he’s dealing with a brutal killer and, as he bends down to take a closer look, he notices something on the victim’s neck: a small, crudely drawn symbol in black ink. It seems the murderer has marked his victim, but why? Dan needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, so he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green.
As the ensuing media circus puts pressure on Dan and Lexi’s investigation, another victim is found and the headlines are quick to report a serial killer is on the loose. The body of a successful lawyer has been discovered in a park with the same purple bruising and hand-drawn symbol on his neck. Dan fears that more victims will follow.
As the case intensifies, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago. Determined to follow it up, he must choose between tracking down a serial murderer and finding Jess. Can he make the impossible decision before the killer strikes once more?
Fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Cara Hunter will love this thrilling new series from Chris Merritt. From an explosive start to a heart-stopping finale, you will not want to put this book down!
Here’s the link to pre-order!
This book is due to be published on SEPT 11, 2020.
Hello! I’m a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart – an ex-soldier with a missing wife – and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while *thinking* about writing novels. When I’m not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
You can find out more about my work at www.cjmerritt.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @DrCJMerritt
I started this book expecting one thing and I was pleasantly surprised with what I took away from it.
A lot of historical fiction set in World War II is set in the midst of the war. This book was unique because it starts before the Germans invade and occupy Paris. Right there I knew I was in for something different. The opening scenes of Michel trying to leave Paris were harrowing, and perfectly captured the panic and urgency of the situation.
I found Michel to be a complicated lead character. On the one hand, he seemed like a drifter and someone who had no particular attributes that made a reader want to root for him. I couldn’t quite get a grasp on who he really was. I think perhaps that was purposeful because it allowed him to fit in with the group he ended up with ultimately.
That group is the reason this book is good. The main thrust of the plot is the woebegone circus trying to find places to perform in the face of impending war. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the magic of a circus is clever and made the emotions around each much stronger. For each bit of news or encounter with the Nazis, I wanted the joy of the circus to hang on a little bit longer.
Not that the circus doesn’t have its problems, but it’s up to the reader to find out what those are (I am definitely not going to give away plot points here). I will say that I suspected a major one and was not surprised by it. But I loved reading about the backgrounds of the various circus performers and felt that they really came alive from the pages.
I did think that there was a big but slow build up, as most of the book covers just over a year or so. But then the last 10% of the book covers years and we get the wrap-up of all of the characters briefly and almost as an afterthought, not to mention the end of Michel’s story is very abrupt. I felt like there had been so much invested in these characters’ stories that they deserved a better ending.
My only other complaint is that the title gives away a major plot point (well, two, kind of). I couldn’t get behind Michel’s worries as he joined the circus because of the title. That was a shame, because his concern did add to the tension of the plot. But it ultimately meant nothing to me because I knew the truth.
It was magically lyrical at times and was a nice departure from the usual historical fiction settings. I would recommend this book.
Author Bio Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
With every new book that comes out in this series, I always wonder how the author is going to top the last one. After the events of the past two, I couldn’t imagine what Natalie would have to face next.
I should really learn NOT to worry about these things. As always, Ms. Wyer has things deftly in hand.
What she has done with this book is not only very smart, but it is effective. With the shocking events of The Blossom Twins and The Secret Admirer, one could see Natalie coming very close to the edge of falling apart (naturally so). Ms. Wyer gives everyone the chance to take a breath and reset as Somebody’s Daughter takes place a year after The Secret Admirer.
It works well because it gives the characters a chance to have advanced in their personal and professional lives. It’s a fantastic way to reboot but keep the same characters on their trajectories. I’m not going to spoil who is in what position or exactly how things have changed. You’ll have to read for yourself!
Natalie and her team have quite the investigation this time. I particularly liked how it started as one thing, but then there was an unexpected event that sent the investigation in a different direction. After a few more twists and turns, it wrapped up quite neatly.
Again, contrary to the past couple of books, the investigation seemed more realistic. I think that was because Natalie was not personally involved. Don’t get me wrong; they’re always good, and the author certainly does her homework. Her forensics and techniques are spot on. But having it NOT be personal to Natalie actually gives the police work a chance to shine. The author conveys the difficulty of an investigation, so it’s nice to see it center stage.
I also like how this book seemed to have a “cinematic” feel to it. The cutaways and interspersed chapters from multiple points of view flowed smoothly. The transitions are never jarring, but this time I could picture the action like I was watching it on television. I love that the world Ms. Wyer creates feels this way.
There is also a message to be learned that is woven into the investigation. This time, the author offers a subtle but searing commentary on the homeless. It’s useful both within the investigation and as a real-life reminder.
Even as the characters are in a “fresh start” position, Ms. Wyer lays the groundwork for where possible conflicts may arise. What does David want to tell Natalie that has to be mentioned in person? There’s obviously more to that story. What does Frances really want? Will Lucy go down the same path as Natalie, putting the job before family? Will Natalie finally back off and enjoy her second chance?
I devoured this book in one sitting (thank goodness for lazy Saturdays and understanding family members). Natalie is back and better than ever, and I can’t wait to see where the future leads her.
Author Bio Winner of The People’s Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer is a best-selling author and stand up comedian who writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction.
A move to the ‘dark side’ in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST, the #2 best-selling book on Amazon, #9 best-selling audiobook on Audible and Top 150 USA Today best-seller.
A second series featuring DI Natalie Ward quickly followed and to date her novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets, including into Norwegian, Italian, Turkish, Hungarian Slovak, Czech and Polish.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’ featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy… who is very, very grumpy.
Do you really need more convincing? Okay, fine. Here is a bit about the book
Maxx Reynolds needs help. His shop, house, and life are all in a state of disarray. In desperation, he turns to the internet to hire a new employee, thinking it will make his life easier. What he expects is a fellow named Charly. What he gets is a quirky, sassy, red-head name Charlynn who runs circles around him. And she’s all woman. He can’t stand her. He can’t keep his hands off her either. **** Brand new romantic comedy from NYT Bestselling author Melanie Moreland. This small-town is about to see fireworks when feisty Charly starts to organize more than Maxx’s life.
The third book in Erin Nicholas’ Hot Cakes series does not disappoint. In fact, I think it might be my favorite so far.
I always enjoy how the author builds her characters through her series. We’ve met and gotten to know both Grant and Josie over the first two books, so we have an idea of what their characters are. But in this book, they take center stage.
I’m not going to rehash the plot, 1) because I hate book report reviews, 2) you can find details elsewhere, and 3) I hate spoilers.
I loved the chemistry between these two. The author always creates good heat between characters, but Grant and Josie were off the charts. I liked how he was a little bit domineering and how she was turned on by it, even as she thought she wouldn’t be. That was realistic and believable. And did I mention hot?
But it’s not just couple’s chemistry, the friends who own Hot Cakes have a camaraderie that is enjoyable and downright hysterical. Their conversation about cupcakes early on was laugh out loud funny. And I love Piper throwing her two cents in all the time. I truly can’t wait for her story; I think she’s my favorite character.
The conflict in this book is a familiar trope, but because of the relationship between Grant and Josie, it doesn’t feel like a retread. It feels fresh and actually makes sense in the bigger picture of the overall plot. Of course, there are screw ups and misunderstandings, but not as many as one might expect. It’s nice to see adults being adults and not acting like teenagers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but that’s no surprise, given how I felt about the first two: Sugarcoated and Forking Around. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
